Willoughby Soccer Club
Severe Weather Procedures

The following procedures are intended to be a guide in case severe weather threatens during a soccer game. It is impossible to foresee all possible scenarios, but it is necessary to have in place a set of procedures to implement in such cases.

Weather Definitions

• A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that the weather conditions are favorable for high wind, heavy rain and/or hail to develop.
• A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that a severe thunderstorm has been detected in the area. High winds, heavy rain and/or hail are present with the storm.
• A Tornado Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for tornado formation in the area.
• A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has actually been sighted or indicated by radar. The warning will indicate the location of the tornado, direction of travel and the period of time for movement through a specific area.

Guidelines

In the event that a storm threatens the immediate area, the ranking club official is responsible for the safety of all personnel and patrons. The following are procedures that should be followed in a storm situation. Be familiar with the warning signs.

If a Severe Weather Watch has been issued for the Willoughby or Willoughby Hills area, the ranking club official should continue to monitor the situation and be prepared to notify referees, coaches, players and fans of any change in the situation.

If a Severe Weather Warning has been issued, the ranking club official should notify all participants and spectators and be alert for lightning, hail or heavy rains. If there is any visible lightning or if thunder is clearly heard, clear the field, seek shelter and monitor the situation for 20 minutes. If lightning or thunder continues to be a problem for more than 20 minutes, all activities should be cancelled. There may be instances when a storm moves into the area rapidly and without much warning. In this case, the ranking official may need to take appropriate and immediate action to clear the area.

If a Tornado Watch has been issued, the ranking club official should inform the referees, coaches, players and fans that the area is in a tornado watch.

If a Tornado Warning has been issued, the ranking club official should immediately inform all people at the field and have them seek immediate shelter (restrooms, concession areas, storage rooms and/or low-lying ditches or drain pipes).

These procedures must be enforced at each soccer field affected by the severe weather. The ranking club official at each affected field is responsible for that field only.

These guidelines are based on those provided by the City of Willoughby Recreation Department and approved by Ohio Youth Soccer Association North on 5/14/2002.